"drive-through" news and stories

In case you've never encountered the convenience yourself, there's a drive-through window attached to one-third of the nation's Starbucks outposts. And the company has recently taken some heat over the newly designed menus offered at those drive-throughs. On August 31, listed items dropped from about 70 to a mere 25, and leaves out the option to buy a Tall (translation: smallest and least expensive) cup of coffee.

The Tall is still an option, just not an obvious one. Company spokeswoman Deb Trevino tells USA Today the change came in response to customers' requests to simplify the menu -- they were "frustrating" to read -- adding that Talls don't sell as well as Grandes and Ventis. She also says the company is making room for calorie postings, which will be required next year.

A Miami Burger King employee ripped off his headset and climbed through the drive-through window to attack a customer after an argument erupted over correct change. According to the Miami Herald, Burger King employee Michael Perez claims that the Kevin Gillis, who was buying two orders of fries for his three young daughters, also in the car, addressed him with a racial slur after the two argued over Gillis's change. Enraged, Perez came through the window, reached into Gillis's truck and punched him in the face. Gillis then got out of his truck and tackled Perez, fearing for the safety of his wife and daughters, who had also exited the truck. Perez was subsequently arrested.

[Via Restaurant News Resource]